FAQs
With regard to the best way to try and get better space.
After each UKGE we start to plan the next one. Over the summer and autumn we will talk to Major and Associate Sponsors to see if they want to renew.
We then open formal enquiries about 2 weeks before Essen Spiel (Around 15th September). When we do that we mail shot the entire exhibitor listing over 1000 exhibitors.
We then aim to see face to face as many of you as we can at Essen Spiel or have email discussions to get in requests.
Those enquiries and any we take at Essen in person are all examined together.
On deciding on stand locations we use a priority system:
- Major Sponsors are placed first.
- Second choices of locations go to Associate Sponsors.
- Third choice is given to Supporting Sponsors.*
- *Zone Sponsors such as Family Zone etc have priority within their areas.
- HIstory with the show.
- Other bookings/ changes of location.
No final decision on locations are made until after we return from Essen Spiel and we look at all requests we have received.
So to answer your question the important thing is for you to
Either come see us at Essen Spiel. In 2024 we are in Hall 4 on 4-B310. Email Tessa to book an appointment.
Or
Fill in an application when we open bookings, request your location and stand and make that clear to us.
We would then process a provisional booking on our systems (no invoices yet) and place your request on the map.
UK Games Expo trade stands go on sale around 1st October each year (sometimes a week or two earlier). We then take submissions by email and in person at Essen Spiel and other events (such as Dragonmeet, London Toy Fair, Nuremberg Spielwarrenmesse and Airecon which Trade Manager and Director Richard usually attends in person).
As we take bookings we book them in and allocate them trade space based on a priority system (Sponsors choose loctaions first then incumbents from previous shows).
We will continue selling space until either:
- We run out of space
- We reach a week before the show when we lock down plans.
So the deadline is late May or as soon as we run out of space. In reality we will have room for smaller stands in May but choice of location will be very limited.
Sign up to get added to the mail list to receive exhibitors mailshots. Click here to sign up...
Limited space in stock rooms is available.
UK Games Expo are now offering a service to larger retailers and publishers who are looking for a stock room to store their products and to restock their stands from. Over the weekend during restock periods before and after opening hours you can gain access to the stock room and restock from there using your own trolleys and sack trucks and your own personnel.
This is how it will work:
We have walled off areas of the hall and allocated pallet sized spaces to them.
On your arrival you will move your pallet into your space.
Please note that you must bring your own pallet truck as UKGE does not have any to lend out.
Alternatively you can make use of the Forklift for hire service.
The pallet then will not be moved during the UKGE.
Over the weekend during restock periods before and after opening hours you can gain access to the stock room and restock from there using your own trolleys and sack trucks and your own personnel.
Restocking during opening hours and outside restocking periods is only permitted by special arrangement requested through the UKGE Exhibition services department and may take time to accommodate.
You must ensure that all items are removed by 18.00 on the Sunday of the show.
The room will have a lockable door and companies taking advantage of this service will be issued with passes showing their allocated space so our volunteers know which area they are allowed to restock from.
All stock is left at the owner's own risk and UK Games Expo Ltd does not accept any responsibility for the stock. By taking one of these spaces you accept this term.
We have priced these spaces to cover our floor costs and the cost of putting in walling and a lockable door plus an element of staffing costs to us.
Each storage space is 1.2mx1m to accommodate a standard pallet. Please ensure that the pallet load does not overhang the pallet. We ensure there is a route of access to your space.
Each of these spaces costs £100 +VAT to hire for the weekend.
To hire the space please request pallet storage via your portal.
UK Games Expo can arrange for you to hire a room for meetings or alternatively for press releases, events, hospitality etc.
A meeting room will comprise of a walled space in the trade hall with a lockable door, 1 to 2 table and 4 chairs and a power socket suitable for laptop and phone charging purposes (up to 500w power draw).
Options
3m x 4m meeting booth at a full show rate of £1900. (+vat)
3m x 3m meeting booth at a full show rate of £1200. (+vat)
Hours available:
Thursday 10.00 till 20.00
Friday, Saturday 8.00 till 18.00
Sunday 8.00 till 16.00
Email Richard to find out more.
An Event Room
Enquire for more details.
Email Richard to find out more.
We have agreed a deal with the NEC whereby each Exhibitor and Co-Exhibitor will be offered a complimentary Car Park Pass for the Exhibitor Car park.
Larger exhibitors may be given more than one pass. You will not pay for these passes.
You will collect these passes from Exhibition Services in Hall 1 on arrival.
You do not need to pre-register for these passes.
How many passes do I get?
If your stand is 6 sqm you get 1 car park pass plus one for each co-exhibitor.
If your stand is between 7 and 19 sqm you you get 2 car park pass plus one for each co-exhibitor.
If your stand is between 20 and 29 sqm you you get 3 car park pass plus one for each co-exhibitor.
If your stand is between 30 and 39 sqm you you get 4 car park pass plus one for each co-exhibitor.
If your stand is between 40 and 49 sqm you you get 5 car park pass plus one for each co-exhibitor.
If your stand is between 50 and 99 sqm you you get 6 car park pass plus one for each co-exhibitor.
If your stand is over 100 sqm you you get 10 car park pass plus one for each co-exhibitor.
Every year we get asked by exhibitors if they may conduct a raffle or prize draw on their stand.
Exhibitors may conduct a Prize Draw providing it is NOT a lottery.
Lotteries
Lotteries are games where:
- you pay to enter;
- there is at least one prize;
- winning a prize is only dependent on chance.
They are a form of gambling and are subject to safeguards and regulations. Any lottery, whether it is, or is not, exempt cannot be run for private gain.
A lottery is basically gambling and requires a gambling license, which we don’t have and the NEC will not allow. So you can't do a straight lottery.
Prize Draws
Prize Draw competitions are not lotteries. In Prize draws you can still charge for a ticket BUT Prize competitions are based on a degree of skill, judgement or knowledge that is reasonably likely to prevent some people from taking part; or prevent some people from getting the right answer.
So in 2016 at UK Games Expo we did a Prize Draw for Cthulhu Pandemic in which to enter, the participants had to first answer a gaming related question, which some people might not know the answer to, at least not without having to check first. It need not be a very hard question. We asked which of a list of names were characters in the Cluedo game. Answering correctly enabled the entrant to buy tickets for the draw.
Free Raffles
If you do not charge for the entry and there is no gain from the raffle then you can always give away prizes linked to a draw.
It may be possible to arrange options for a room at one of our venues for an evening reception. Contact Richard.
However, you need to think about this with plenty of time to spare. Contact us as early as possible.
You can arrange direct delivery to the NEC but it MUST arrive on WED 28th May between 2pm and 9pm or THU 29th May from 8am to 9pm.
In both cases the delivery vehicle will need to book into the NEC Voyage Control System
IF a delivery is planned on the WED contact Paul who will give you a code to use on that system.
If deliveries arrive before exhibitors are present they will be refused access.
The NEC will not store your delivery. Send it to: National Exhibition Centre (Your stand number and company name), Hall 1 or Hall 2, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham B40 1NT.
If you are bringing goods on pallets to the show but do not have the means to unload the pallets from your vehicle, visit Exhibition Services in Hall 1 to arrange fork lift services. If your delivery company requires this service, please make them aware of this. This service is chargeable and will need to be paid for at the time it is arranged.
The following third party company can offer logistic services for getting your games to the NEC in time for setup and also arrange to take them away at the end of the event for onward transportation. They should be able to offer advice on relevant customs charges:
Gamesquest
Provide logistics services to get your goods to the NEC. Also can arrange to take them away at the end of the event for onward transportation. Can offer advice on customs charges and VAT issues. Have warehouses inside the EU and in the UK.
Email: Tory@gamesquest.co.uk
Spiral Galaxy
Provide logistics services to get your goods to the NEC. Also can arrange to take them away at the end of the event for onward transportation. Can offer advice on customs charges and VAT issues. Have a warehouse in Tamworth UK There services are often popular and you are advised to contact them early as they limited capacity.
Tel +44 (0)1952 587482
Email: ukge@spiralgalaxygames.co.uk
Zatu Games
Logistics and Stock Coordination
We organise freight from US,EU and UK to the NEC with goods delivered on your Stand. We also organise transport to our storage facility at Zatu HQ after the event.
Contact: Dominic Martin, Tel: +44 (0)1603 801188 or email: Dominicm@zatu.co.uk
All Rolled Up
Supply smaller companies with a service for limited sized deliveries.
Limited Availability - Small - Medium Boxes only - Pop-up Banners.
Tel +44 (0)7973977040
Email: contact@allrolledup.co.uk
GMS Hobby Games Logistics
Assist with importing stock, custom duties, VAT, POS and distribution.
The UK Games Expo Awards were developed and introduced at UK Games Expo in 2007 to recognise the achievement of manufacturers and publishers in a variety of game genres. A special logo will be available for use by the winners in each category. Each year we there are winners for the Judges Awards and Popular Choice Award.
Firstly, all games are rates by a panel of judges chosen by UK Games Expo. Each year we will publish a short list of the top three games in each category. The short lists will be selected according to the judge's ratings and published on 15th July 2021. One of the short listed games will eventually be declared the popular choice award winner (see below).
At the show there is an opportunity for the public to vote on the short listed games using the UKGE mobile website.
The Awards will be announced on Sunday 4th June at 3pm.
Each category will have an award winner for the Judges vote and one for the Popular Choice.
These are the categories for the awards for 2018. Games for evaluation will be sent to a panel of judges whose vote will be part of the final result. To this will be added the results of the public vote on the weekend.
Good luck to all our nominees.
- Best Abstract Game An abstract game is a game that minimises luck and does not rely on a theme. It typically focuses on strategy where skill and careful planning is the key.
- Best Accessory Anything gaming related not covered in the other areas e.g. game storage solutions, dice bags etc.
- Best Boardgame (American-Style ) Generally feature a prominent theme, encourage direct conflict between players and have a significant degree of luck. American-style games often have longer playtimes and have mechanics designed to suit the theme. Sometimes referred to as Ameritrash. (Games with a target ages of 12+ and specifically not for young children.)
- Best Boardgame (Euro-Style ) Generally these games will have less direct player interaction, limited elements of luck and less conflict. Sometimes called a Eurogame or German-style board game. (Game with a target ages of 12+ and specifically not for young children.)
- Best Boardgame (Strategic) These are games which involve tactical and strategic game play, involve direct player interaction, often involve elements of competition, conflict and sometimes military themes. Miniatures may be involved or tokens representing characters or units(Game with a target ages of 12+ and specifically not for young children.)
- Best Card Game (General) Generally these games will not involve a board, but cards will be the predominant feature. This category includes lighter and more family orinetated games.
- Best Card Game (Strategic) Generally these games will not involve a board, but cards will be the predominant feature. This category features a high degree of tactical or strategic play. Examples may include Collectible Card Games (Game with a target ages of 12+ and specifically not for young children.)
- Best Children's Game A game which is specifically designed for younger children (10 years or below) to play with or without adult supervision but not a game adults would play on their own.
- Best Dice Game Generally these games will not involve a board, but dice will be the predominant feature.
- Best Digital Hybrid Game A digital hybrid game combines physical and digital elements to introduce a new kind of game experience in a single product. (Note this must involve a physical game alongside an app or other digital element. Entirely computerised forms of games will not be considered).
- Best Expansion The category covers expansions to a game which introduce new components or new mechanics. Typically the base game is required to play.
- Best Family Game A game which is ideal for children (perhaps older children) and adults to play together and all enjoy equally. Something for parents and kids to have fun together with.
- Best Gaming Novelty The category covers items and products which are not directly used in or with games but are themed or related to the world of gaming. Examples would include clothing, food and drink, books and journals, jewellery etc
- Best Miniatures Range A miniatures range for use in wargames or roleplaying games.
- Best Miniatures Rules A rules system where the core part of the game is using miniature figures to fight out battles.
- Best Party Game A game which is usually light and easy to play, with simple rules and designed for larger groups or a party
- Best Role-playing Game Adventure An adventure, scenario or campaign or campaign setting for roleplaying games.
- Best Role-playing Game Expansion An expansion or supplement for roleplaying games which expands or adds to an existing game system.
- Best Role-playing Game The main rules set for a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting and where the main thrust is players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a story generally run by a games master.
- Best Variant The category covers variants such as new boards and maps or new themes applied to an existing game system or design. Typically the base or original game is not required for play.
Everyone attending the show needs a show Entry Ticket. This gives full access to the Trade Halls, Demo games, Open Gaming Area, Family Zone, Playtest, and Seminars. In other words your Entry ticket plus the Trade stand fees is what pays for the show as well as the accommodation costs of the army of volunteers who make Expo happen.
In addition if you want to play in any Tournament or Roleplaying Game or participate in Live Events there is an additional Event Fee as specified on each Event Page. This is what pays for the EXTRA rooms we need to accommodate all the tournaments, all the acres of cloth we use for them, prize support for those events that are unsponsored, trophies and Umpire/ Gms expenses and accommodation as it is fair that folk who give up their time to run the events are not out of pocket. Generally when you add it all up, Tournaments and RPG's actually cost Expo money to run and that is why we ask tournament players to also buy an Entry ticket.
SINGLE DAY TICKET: Adults £20, Young Adult (11 to 15 years) £14. Family £60.
TWO DAY TICKET: Adults £38, Young Adult (11 to 15 years) £26. Family £115.
THREE DAY TICKET Adults £54, Young Adult (11 to 15 years) £36. Family £162.
FAMILY TICKET admits 2 adults and 2 young adults.
Child Tickets
Children aged 10 and under are admitted free to UK Games Expo. These tickets will be issued on your arrival at the convention. Simply ask at the ticket desk for the tickets when you arrive.
If you want to enter a tournament or play an RPG game you pay per event. In addition to an event ticket you need to purchase an entry ticket to get into UK Games Expo.
RPGs, Miniature, Card and Boardgame tournament entry fees are dependant on game system. Some tournaments may be discounted where they have specific sponsorship.
Roleplaying Games: £4 per 4 hour game
Board Games: Tournaments £7 per day
Card Games: Tournaments £7 per day
Miniatures Tournaments £9 per day
Live Entertainment Events £7 to £15 a ticket.
Event tickets will start to go live Early 2024
The Prices you see above are INCLUSIVE of VAT charged at the current VAT rate
YOU CAN BUY ENTRANCE AND EVENT TICKETS* AT THE SHOW.
*RPGs, live events and boards games generally will have tickets available - spaces permitting- at the show. Wargames events sometimes close submissions at this point so they can have army lists submitted. Check event descriptions.
To buy tickets on the day just go to any ticket point.
Ticket points will accept cash, cheques and card.
All ticketing is handled via your account. You do not need an account to buy tickets on the door but you will need an account if you wish to book any tickets in advance.
THURSDAY 29th May 2025
Main Ticketing is located inside Hall 3a at the NEC and will be open from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. You can also collect your pre-ordered tickets during this time. If you're in the area on Thursday, we encourage you to avoid queues by picking up your tickets the day before the Expo.
FRIDAY 30th May 2025
Main Ticketing is open inside Hall 3a NEC as well as in the Hilton Library from 8.00 am until 6:00 pm.
You can also collect your pre-ordered tickets from these locations
There will be an event desk inside Hall 3 open from 9:00 am till 6:00 pm. You can find out what is going on and buy additional event tickets (but not entrance tickets) from here.
SATURDAY 31st May
Main Ticketing is open inside Hall 3a NEC as well as in the Hilton Library from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm.
You can also collect your pre-ordered tickets from these locations
There will be an event desk inside Hall 3 open from 9:00 am till 6:00 pm. You can find out what is going on and buy additional event tickets (but not entrance tickets) from here.
SUNDAY 1st June
Main Ticketing is open inside Hall 3a NEC as well as in the Hilton Library from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm.
You can also collect your pre-ordered tickets from these locations
There will be an event desk inside Hall 3 open from 9:00 am till 2:00 pm. You can find out what is going on and buy additional event tickets (but not entrance tickets) from here.
Opening hours may vary on the weekend to reflect staffing and customer levels. Signage will direct you to another ticket point if one is closed.
When you have pre ordered your tickets please be aware we do not email or post these tickets to you. All tickets are collected at the tickets desks at the venue.
There are three ways to collect your tickets:-
- Use the QR code on your mobile device
- Login in to your account on your phone
- Click view your QR code
- This will display your code and will enable you to have it scanned and collect ALL your orders at a ticket booth
- Print your QR code
- Login in to your account
- Print the pdf document that is generated
- Present this at the ticket desk to collect all your orders
- Account details
- If you do not have access to your account then you can collect your tickets from the ticket desk by giving the name and email address of the account holder along with proof of identity,( Driving License, Bank Card etc)
We want everyone to be able to come and enjoy UKGE. If you are attending UKGE and need a carer to facilitate your visit then consider this:
1. If your Carer is also a gamer and will be playing the games and be fully involved as an attendee themselves then they pay full rates like all other gamers.
2. But If you are attending UK Games Expo and due to a disability need a carer to get in and round UKGE BUT the carer is not themselves interested in games (or their ability to enjoy the show is significantly reduced) we do look at a discount or free ticket for the Carer. Contact admin@ukgamesexpo.co.uk and we will discuss the matter further.
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